140-vote margin decides budget

June 30, 2014

COVENTRY â The Coventry School committee and School Superintendent Dr. Mike Almeida was scheduled to begin to discuss the rounds of cuts at this past Wednesdayâs school committee meeting after Tuesdayâs referendum vote results revealed 1,517 Coventry voters rejected a proposed tax increase to further fund the schools to 1,377 voters who approved the tax increase.
Of the townâs 27,400 registered voters, almost 3,000 cast their ballot with steady turnout all day right up until 8 p.m. Some saw that as a good turnout, others were disgusted that so few came out.
âIt is what it is and the fallout is what it is,â Almeida, who was clearly disappointed in the results and walked out of the polls immediately following the results, said. âThe people have spoken and I have the utmost respect for the voters. Weâll be looking for another $400,000 in cuts in addition to those weâve already made. Iâll do my very best to save what I can.â
Council President Gary Cote tried to shake Almeidaâs hand, but Almeida walked away from him.